An additional Exchequer support totaling to Ksh 11.02 billion is required to ensure timely completion of earmarked stadiums ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) and to safeguard Kenya’s hosting rights.
This is according to the Sport State Department Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, who earlier on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on the FY 2026/27 budget estimates.
The Committee chaired by MP Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) heard that the total contractual cost of the earmarked stadium projects is KSh15.11 billion out of which only KSh 3.74 billion has been paid.
According to the PS, despite Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) having an approved budget of KSh18.38billion in the current FY 2025/26, its cash flows are significantly constrained due to major financial commitments.
How much does Kenya need to host AFCON 2027?
“The financial commitments of SASDF include annual loan repayment for Talanta Sports City-KSh 6.29 billion, participation and hosting of sports events-KSh 6.0 billon, Escrow Account Deposit-KSh 1.57 billion, Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)-KSh 1.57 billion, establishment of Constituency Sports Academies-KSh 2.1 billion and upgrade of Community Sports Grounds-KSh.1.4 billion.
Therefore, given the competing obligations, SASDF is constrained to meet the financing requirements for critical AFCON 2027 projects,” PS Mwangi told the Committee.
Earlier, the Cabinet Secretary for the Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ministry had also stated that SASSDF efforts need to be complemented by the National Treasury adding that since Kenya has committed to host AFCON, the Ministry needs enough resources to ensure successful results.
“We have a lot to prepare, especially in infrastructure. The key venue; Raila Odinga Stadium at 91 percent a lot more in terms of auxiliary activities that relates to its operationalization including having a substation for power which will cost around Kshs 937 million,” CS Mvurya said.
Reacting to the presentation, the MP Robert Basil (Yatta) questioned why some of the earmarked stadiums were still very far from completion a few months only to the competition.
“I will make reference to Kipchoge Keino Stadium which is at 18 percent completion and it has been earmarked to be one of the fields to be used during the games,” he said.
Will Kipchoge Keino Stadium be used for AFCON 2027?
PS Mwangi, however, clarified that after review of the initial list, Kipchoge Keino Stadium is no longer part of the earmarked stadiums, further disclosing that Raila Odinga and Kasarani stadiums will be the two playing fields with Nyayo and Ulinzi stadiums being among the training fields.
The Committee also called on the State Department to address other issues , including the construction of Kenya Academy of Sports.
